Defending the Status Quo Thwarts Change

Maybe you’ve heard some of these knee-jerk response to a new idea (or even uttered them yourself).

• “That will never work.”
• “Can you show me some research that demonstrates this will work?”
• “Well, this might work for other people, but I think we’ll stick with what we’ve got.”

(Read all 17 top ways people defend the status quo, compiled by Seth Godin.)

So let’s say you have a great idea – but it’s new, untested – maybe a bit risky. How do you chip away at the wall of resistance? Here’s a great suggestion from Steve Roesler:

Tip: When you hear any one of these, ask this question: “Tell me specifically what information you have that supports why that won’t work in this situation?”

Once the evidence – or lack thereof – is uncovered, you can help the skeptic focus on solutions rather than problems.

Why Meeting Planners Must Challenge the Status Quo

As a meeting planner, you’ve no doubt faced stalwart defenders of the status quo when proposing new venues or suggesting creative ways to increase event attendance. Here are a few other shut-down phrases you’ll recognize, from last year’s Seasite Blog post, “Two words that kill innovation”:

• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
• Don’t rock the boat.
• Better safe than sorry.

(Oh, and the two words that squelch innovation? Comfort Zone.) From the article:

But think twice before you hit your default comfort zone button. In today’s rapidly evolving meeting world, safe equals boring. Boring results in dismal conference attendance and disengaged participants, which in turn leads to…”

Time for a Sea-Change

One way to combat boring meetings and cut expenses is to plan an event at sea. But if your organization has never met on a cruise ship, you might face opposition from your key decision makers.

Here’s help:

Go to the Seasite.com Knowledge Center, and under the category First Cruise Program, read the article “Addressing Common Concerns”.

You’ll find another great article that debunks the top 10 outdated cruise myths on MeetingsNet.com.

While anchored in placid, turquoise waters, you play with water toys or swim from your yacht’s marina. On shore, you explore exotic beaches, take a jungle trek, people-watch from the perfect cafe table, or perhaps accompany the yacht’s chef to local food markets.

Now imagine breathing in fresh sea air as you drift to sleep under the stars on a Balinese “Dream Bed”.  Sounds like a dream? It is, and it could come true for you and your group!

Welcome to the SeaDreamYacht Club experience. Whether you’re planning a small business meeting, sales incentive, retreat, family reunion, anniversary celebration, or special interest gathering, consider an “un-cruise” event. The twin yachts of SeaDream Yacht Club provide a casually elegant yachting adventure that’s uniquely different from cruising –  it’s boutique-style yachting at its very finest.

The 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships recognizes both SeaDream yachts as the“World’s Best” in the Under 200 Guest Category. Planning a top-tier recognition program? What a perfect venue for your group of stellar achievers –  a yacht that’s been designated a “Star Performer”!

Yachting, Not Cruising: The SeaDream Difference

The SeaDream Yacht Club experience is different from big ship cruising. Here’s how a SeaDream voyage will delight  and spoil your event participants:

Ultimate Service
Each of the two mega-yachts – SeaDream I or SeaDream II -accommodate 112 guests, and the award-winning crew of 95 is dedicated to making sure every detail of your program is flawlessly executed. It begins the moment you and your attendees are welcomed aboard by the Captain, and continues throughout your voyage. Each guest receives the highest level of attention, care and service.

Alluring Destinations & One-of-a-Kind Experiences
SeaDream yachts visits the intimate harbors and ports where larger ships cannot go –  from tropical yachting playgrounds in the Caribbean and picturesque ports in the Mediterranean to wild and exotic ports along the mighty Amazon River.

Some unique experiences during your SeaDream Yacht voyage include:

• Late night and overnight stays in port to experience the local nightlife
• SeaDream Signature “Champagne and Caviar Splash” or “Shaken not Stirred” Caviar Party poolside
• Unique crew-led shore side experiences
• Massage, Tai-Chi and Yoga on deck and on the beach
• Shopping with the Chef

Dream Cuisine
SeaDream’s expertly designed menus and surprise treats are an adventure for the senses. Dishes are freshly prepared with local ingredients, and your participants will even have an opportunity to shop with the yacht’s chef in exotic ports of call.

All meals are served in the yacht-casual Topside Restaurant or the elegant Dining Salon, and each restaurant can accommodate all of your guests at the same time. The yacht’s tiered outdoor restaurant serves breakfast and lunch; and when dressed up with candles and linens, it makes a stunning venue for dinner under the stars.

During the day, fresh sandwiches and snacks (like refreshing fruit kabobs) are served on deck; and in the evening, your group will find a wide selection of specially prepared pre-dinner canapes and hors d’oeuvres in the Main Salon. For late-night cravings, a complimentary 24-hour stateroom menu featuring “small bites” is available.

Yacht Club Staterooms for Total Comfort
All SeaDream Yacht staterooms have ocean views and resort-style amenities. There are 54 identical Yacht Club staterooms, as well as two spacious and elegantly-appointed suites. All feature these deluxe amenities:

• Refrigerator stocked with complimentary beer, soft drinks and water
• Entertainment center with flat screen TV, DVD/CD Player, iPod Docking Stations
• Dataport for Internet access (access fee applies)
• Marble-lined bathroom with multi-jet shower massage and Bvlgari bath amenities
• Fine Belgian linens and a selection of pillows, blanket or down duvet
• 100% Turkish cotton robes with slippers
• Personalized yacht stationery
• 24-hour suite “Small Bites” menu
• Complimentary “sweet dreams” turndown amenity each night

SeaDream’s Exclusive “Champagne & Caviar Splash”
On all Caribbean and Amazon voyages, SeaDream’s signature “Champagne and Caviar Splash” is a true celebration of the yachting lifestyle. At the sound of the yacht’s horn, the music plays, champagne bubbles flow, and caviar is served.

Your gourmet barbecue is served on bone china on a white sandy beach – sure to be an unforgettable experience for your attendees, and one that would cost a small fortune to duplicate on your own  - but of course, it’s included.

On European voyages where it is not possible to host the event ashore, celebrate on the yacht’s pool deck with a signature “Shaken not Stirred” martini and caviar party.

Casually Entertaining
During your  un-cruise, you won’t find Broadway productions, Las Vegas revues or headline acts. You will find a relaxed and unstructured environment conducive to networking, making new friends, and recharging after meetings. Evening diversions include:

• Starlit Movies – SeaDream takes dinner and a movie a luxurious step further. On clear nights your group can retire to the pool deck after dinner to enjoy a concert or movie with a starry sky and your port of call as the backdrop.
• Piano Bar – Your guests can enjoy after dinner cocktails and request their favorite tunes from the piano player in this casual lounge area.
• Live Guitar – Whether as background dinner music, or for enjoying at the Top Of The Yacht Bar afterwards, the sounds of a live guitar as it mingles with the ocean breeze is something your group will not soon forget.
• Top of the Yacht Bar – The place to mingle with your yachting colleagues for after dinner cocktails, music and star-gazing.

Yacht Facilities & Activities
Sorry – no onboard rock-climbing wall, zip-line or water slides on SeaDream yachts. But your group won’t mind. They’ll be too busy playing with the water toys at the retractable yacht marina, relaxing on deck, or indulging in the latest treatments at the SeaDream Spa. A variety of massage treatments, Yoga, and tai chi classes are also offered on the beach in selected Caribbean ports.

Other SeaDream yacht amenities include the Top of the Yacht Bar with spectacular 360 degree views ; a well-stocked library; oversized pool and whirlpool tub; extensive CD and DVD library; outdoor Balinese “Dream Beds” with elevated, unobstructed views of the sea; Golf Simulator with 30 world renowned golf courses; fitness center; and mountain bikes for explorations ashore.

Meeting Space
In addition to the Dining Salon, the Main Salon is large enough to accommodate all your attendees at one time for meetings or receptions. No additional decor is needed -the Main Salon is elegantly appointed with a stage, the latest audio-visual equipment, projection system and bar.

Charter Your Own Private Mega-Yacht… or Two!
A SeaDream Yacht Club charter voyage is one of the world’s ultimate rewards, affording complete privacy and customization opportunities. SeaDream I and II each accommodate up to 112 guests; but if you have a larger group, consider chartering both yachts to sail in tandem. Now that’s an experience that’s hard to top!

What’s Included with Your SeaDream Yacht Voyage

• All gratuities
• 56 oceanview staterooms with deluxe, resort-style amenities and refreshment bar/mini-fridge stocked with selection of beverages
• All meals plus snacks and in-stateroom room service
• Pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served daily in the Main Lounge
• Welcome Aboard Champagne Reception with canapes and hors d’oeuvres
• Caviar: 10 pounds for a 7-night voyage
• A split of champagne in each stateroom upon arrival, and complimentary champagne by the glass throughout the voyage
• The Sommelier’s selection of house wine with lunch and dinner
• Open bar with selected premium brands
• Meeting space and AV
• Starlit Movies: movies and concerts shown in the Pool Deck or Main Salon
• SeaDream’s “Champagne & Caviar Splash” or “Shaken not Stirred” poolside gala event

Rare Gems, Charter Opportunities Now Available

Unpublished charter remnants are now available on SeaDream yachts sailing in the Caribbean and Mediterranean – at very attractive, all-inclusive rates.

* A beautiful, 5-night charter opportunity from Dubrovnik to Rome October 9 – 14, 2013. This exquisite Mediterranean “gem” itinerary also includes visits to the dreamy ports of Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Taormina, Sicily; and Capri, Italy.

* A 5-night Mediterranean yacht charter is also available on SeaDream II, sailing roundtrip from Monte Carlo May 11 – 16, 2013.

* Looking for a Caribbean yacht adventure? SeaDream is offering a 4, 5, 6, or 7-night charter on select dates in March and April, 2013 sailing in the British Virgin Islands and St. Barts.

Live the Dream!

Learn more about the SeaDream Yacht Club experience, then click on Cruise Search to request a yacht for your next meeting or group event.

Hailed as the most beautiful ship launched in the last 50 years, Riviera boasts an impressively spacious design, six gourmet restaurants, a sophisticated country-club casual ambiance, and sumptuous suites that are more like chic city apartments.

Here are just a few of Riveria’s points of distinction:

• Palatial suites featuring furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and decor by designer Dakota Jackson
• Magnificent grand lobby featuring Lalique-designed, illuminated Grand Staircase; and custom-crafted Italian chandelier,  accented by 380 crystal spheres
• Museum-worth collection of art, including more than 100 works by Latin America’s most accomplished contemporary artists
• 10 dining venus, including six gourmet, open-seating restaurants (never a surcharge)
• Bon Appetit Culinary Center cooking school
• Canyon Ranch Spa Club

Following the inaugural voyage, Riviera will offer a series of Mediterranean cruises before moving to Miami in late November for seasonal Caribbean sailings.

But what about boomerang employees? Workers returning to their previous jobs is a growing trend…one that’s surprisingly good for business.

Why do they leave in the first place? Even the most excellent organizations lose employees to other companies; perhaps other growth opportunities capture their interest. While these employees believe the “grass is greener” elsewhere, many become disappointed. They find their new work environment is not as supportive, the corporate culture not aligned with their vision, or they just don’t click with their new colleagues. In short, they miss their old jobs – and want them back!

Why do companies hire back these workers? Ira Wolfe of Success Performance Systems, explains in Boomerang Employees: Hiring Backwards. A few reasons retreads make good employees:

• They’ve made new contacts and expanded their professional network
• They have a history with the company, but bring a fresh, new perspective
• They’ve learned new skills and strategies in a different setting

But the best reason? They have a new-found appreciation for their previous employer.

Boomerang Success Stories from Landry & Kling

Landry & King Cruise Events celebrates their 30 year anniversary in June. The secret to the company’s success? A unflagging commitment to creating extraordinary experiences and lasting relationships with clients, partners, cruise lines, and suppliers. And employees.

Thanks to Landry & Kling’s open door policy, several employees who had previously “jumped ship” to explore new horizons have been hired back. In fact, nearly 20% of their full-time staff are boomerangs! All are happy to be back onboard with the team. We’d like to introduce you to them:

Karyn Altman, VP Business Development

The old days: Karen began her career with Landry & Kling in the “pre-email” era – 1990. After nearly a decade working for an incentive travel company in Boston, she relocated to Miami, the “cruise capital of the world”, to become L&K’s Director of Sales.

What happened: In 1995, Karyn’s focus shifted once more to land programs, and she accepted an offer to work for another incentive company, then went on to work at Starcite. During this time, she also managed her own marketing and production company! But Karyn missed the cruise industry as well as the camaraderie of an office environment. In 2007, she ran into Jo Kling at a trade show, and was intrigued to hear about a revolutionary new project in development - Seasite.com.

What it’s like now: Karyn happily re-joined the company in 2008 as part of the executive team launching Seasite.com. Her role as VP of Business Development for Landry & Kling and Seasite now includes building relationships with cruise line partners and suppliers, introducing Seasite to meeting professionals and group cruise buyers, and even helping to facilitate rock legend cruises!

Karyn’s wearing two hats these days, representing both Landry & Kling and Seasite – and she couldn’t be happier. She says,

This is the perfect position for me – it combines my passion for cruising with technology, marketing, and sales. I love that I can offer clients a range of services and products – from DIY Seasite.com to Landry & Kling’s custom cruise logistics.”

Maureen McKeon, Web Content Editor

The old days: Maureen is a two-time L&K boomerang. She first came onboard in 1994 as a proposal writer, and had no intention of leaving until she received an offer in 1999 she couldn’t refuse: an opportunity to live, work and travel in China.

What happened: During her four months in China, Maureen kept in touch with the L&K team. Shortly after returning to the U.S., her old position became available again, and Maureen was happy to resume her old position as a proposal writer. But the story doesn’t end there…

Fast forward to 2008 - As the company begins development on a revolutionary new web project – Seasite.com – Maureen, a licensed massage therapist, decided to follow her dream to work at a deluxe spa. She soon realized that the spa business is not all zen. She missed her old job. She was thrilled to return and begin a new project – editing Seasite.com’s Knowledge Center.

What it’s like now: Maureen now is onboard full-time as the web content editor for Landrykling.com and Seasite.com. She also manages the company’s two blogs, Facebook pages and newsletters. Maureen has embraced her new role with gusto, and loves the creative and challenging nature of her work.

Maureen says,

I thought it would be fun to work “on my own”, but it was lonely out there. I missed my L&K colleagues, the cruise industry, the collaboration and social aspect of being part of a team. Now I get to tap into my creative side, build my tech skills, and apply my knowledge of meetings at sea. The best part of my job is that I learn something new every day!”

Vicki Fernandez, Sales Support Manager

The old days: Vicki was originally hired as executive assistant to Jo Kling and Joyce Landry and later took on a sales support role. In 2005, she left L&K to work at her church and develop their first website.

What happened: Although her new position was fulfilling, Vicki missed the camaraderie of Landry & Kling (we’re sensing a theme here!). While updating her resume in 2007, she reached out to Jo Kling and Joyce Landry through the company website, and this innocent communication opened the door to a new offer.

What it’s like now: Vicki was rehired as account manager for one of Landry & Kling’s third-party partners. Nearly five years later, she is enjoying her new position as sales support manager responsible for quotes, proposals and contacts. Vicki also handles small group sales.

Vicki says,

I feel like I’ve come home! I love the team, and Jo & Joyce are awesome. I’ve had opportunities to visit places and see things most people only dream about, like the Pyramids in Egypt, the Acropolis in Athens and the Coliseum in Rome. I value my relationships with clients and industry partners, and can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Vilma Moutsatsos, Manager Cruise Events

The old days: Vilma began her L&K career as liaison for the Jacksonville Super Bowl back in 2005, and a year later, returned as a full-time Project Manager.

What happened: In 2008, Vilma left the company to work at Seabourn – the lure of a luxury cruise line proved too irresistible to resist! Vilma began to miss the “Landry & Kling family and small company atmosphere”, so immediately set her sights on returning when Seabourn announced the company headquarters was moving to Seattle.

What it’s like now: Vilma came back onboard as a contract Program Manager, with the option to work full-time when a position became available. It did – but in two departments, Operations and Sales. Vilma gladly donned two hats and is now Manager, Cruise Events, as as well as Sales Support Manager. The insight gained from her experience with ship operations is now a huge asset for both positions.

Vilma says,

I’m happy to be back working with a great team of people. I appreciate the overall closeness and flexibility we all have to support one another with one end in mind – amazing cruise events!”

And last, but certainly not least…we liked to introduce you to one more L&K Boomerang…

Jo Kling, Landry & Kling Co-founder and CEO

The old days: Jo knew Joyce Landry from their days working together at Holland America Line in New York City. In 1982, they founded Landry & Kling Inc., to specialize in meetings at sea for corporations, incentive groups, conferences, and all kinds of groups. Jo and Joyce started their venture in New York City, and in 1988, relocated to Miami, “Cruise Capital of the World”. Ten years later, Travel Services International (TSI) – a publicly traded company – made an offer they couldn’t refuse. TSI acquired Landry & Kling to function as the group office for 15 major retail cruise agencies. Jo and Joyce saw this as a way to grow the company.

Jo picks up the story from here:

What happened: ”In July of 2000, Ken Trippe, founder of CruiseMatch and my husband, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His wish was to relocate to our home in Vero Beach FL, where we had just bought a house for the future. So I resigned my role at L&K and we moved 140 miles north of Miami to focus on Ken’s treatment. Sadly, he lost his valiant battle a year and a half later.

“After his death, Joyce and I started talking about what was happening with L&K, because the growth we had envisioned was interrupted by the bursting dot.com bubble. That led to our decision to buy back the company in 2005 and grow it through technology – which in turn led to the development of Seasite.com, launched in 2009 – so actually, Landry & Kling is a boomerang too.

What It’s like now: “I’m happy to be back in the saddle… and there’s never a dull moment! There are many new opportunities, including renewed interest in theme cruises, which we’d started in the mid-90’s. We are also expanding our partnerships with hotel sourcing companies and other 3rd parties who want to offer cruises but don’t feel confident in the cruise sector.

It’s a wonderful feeling that our specialization has come to be in so much demand, helping us to fulfill our vision of bringing cruises into the mainstream of the meetings industry as a desirable event venue.”

Here are 10 Reasons to Choose a Celebrity Ship for Your Next Incentive, Meeting, or Group Event.

1. Celebrity Caters to Adults

While accommodating children, Celebrity ships cater to adults. Which is ideal when rewarding adult incentive winners who may or may not be able to bring their children along.

2. Contemporary Design and Inviting Spaces

Celebrity’s world-class architects and designers have elevated cruise ship style to high design and multi-functionality to rival some of the most spectacular hotels on land. Captivating public spaces, inspired restaurants, and sophisticated lounges give your program participants a plethora of places to meet up and mingle. When it’s time to relax and recharge, they’ll also find many quiet, intimate settings onboard.

3. Award-winning dining experiences

With world-class restaurants and up to ten unique dining venues on board Celebrity ships, your meeting at sea attendees can say “bon voyage” to boring buffets and banquet dinners (and you can say “so long” to long hours of menu planning). Inspired, artfully-prepared cuisine makes every meal a culinary and visual experience!

Choices abound – from stunning, contemporary dining rooms; to quirky Qsine specialty restaurant, where iPad menus come to life. Al fresco and casual dining options also are plentiful – from the Dining Cafe’s International Marketplace with made-to-order stations; to the top-deck Lawn Club Grill found on the newest Celebrity ships, where guests can choose (and grill) their own steaks and vegetables. (All meals are included in a variety of dining venues, but surcharges apply in certain specialty restaurants).

4. Superlative service

Celebrity’s renowned attention to detail and intuitive personal service ensures the very best care for event planners and their attendees. They offer a nearly 2:1 passenger to staff ratio; 24-hour complimentary room service; and gracious pool butlers, who are ready to treat your guests like royalty with chilled towel, frozen fruit, and iced drinks. Speaking of butlers, Celebrity’s European-style butler service is included for all suite guests.

5. World-class Accommodations

With spacious and beautifully designed accommodations, your event participants will enjoy a deluxe, hotel-style experience that exemplifies Celebrity’s “modern luxury”. Ultra-comfy staterooms and suites feature plush linens, down comforters, Frette bathrobes, interactive flat-screen TV’s, and custom-formulated bath products. But unlike a hotel, your group will enjoy ever-changing, expansive ocean views from the comfort of their rooms. Eighty-five percent of the staterooms aboard Solstice-class and newer vessels boast private verandas, adding an additional element of indulgence and inspiration.

6. Inspired Onboard Programs

Your meeting attendees or incentive winners are smart, and they love a challenge. So they’ll appreciate the exhilarating Celebrity Life program that offers onboard classes and activities designed to educate, stimulate, and captivate. With countless culinary, enrichment and wellness programs to choose from, they’ll never run of out of new things to learn. They can practice Pilates, learn how to create the perfect Mojito, or discover how to get the most from their electronic gadgets at the hip Celebrity iLounge  - the only Authorized Apple Reseller at sea.

7. Stunning Entertainment and Onboard Venues

Celebrity offers entertainment options for everyone in your group – from Broadway-inspired productions and circus-style shows in multi-level theaters; to live music, dancing, magicians and late-night comedy acts in more intimate lounges and clubs. Know what’s really special? No planning headaches, cover charges, or pricey theater tickets!

Other onboard venues include full casinos, award-winning spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and first-ever Lawn Club at sea, with a half-acre of real grass on the top deck. The beauty is in the details.

8. Dedicated Conference and Meeting Space

Your Celebrity cruise program includes versatile meeting rooms, leading-edge conference technology, and catered coffee breaks. Multi-level theaters, flexible lounges, and fresh outdoor spaces are also available for private functions – at no additional charge. Celebrity Reflection’s conference center will set a new precedent in cruise ship meeting design, with movable walls in an area that can function as conference or ballroom space.

Wi-fi is available 24-hours a day in the Internet Cafe, throughout the ship and in staterooms (Internet packages available). Mobile phone service is also available – attendees should check with their carriers for roaming rates.

9. State-of-the-Audio/Visual Equipment Included

Celebrity ships are equipped with everything you need to run an incredible presentation or group event…and again, no additional fee. You can save thousands of dollars by meeting at sea! A sampling of A/V equipment available to groups aboard your Celebrity ships included: projectors, DVD players, plasma screen TV, multiple wall-mount  screens, video walls, wireless or lapel microphones, professional stage lighting, sound board (in the show lounge)

10. Great Short Itinerary Options

Celebrity gives you plenty of exciting options for your next meeting or incentive, with ships sailing 4, 5 and 7 nights in a variety of dream destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe

We are especially excited about Celebrity Constellation’s new short cruises from Fort Lauderdale beginning December 2013 . Four night Bahamas cruises feature stops in Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas; while five-night Western Caribbean itineraries will call on Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.

It’s Time for “Modern Luxury”

When it’s time to choose a venue for your next event, take a look at the “modern luxury” ships of Celebrity, and make every moment extraordinary.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, including itineraries and ship planner guides, go to Seasite.com.  Or request group pricing on any of their stunning ships – your RFP will be sent directly to Celebrity  Cruises.

Now Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed more exciting news, including what’s sure to make a huge splash with meeting and event planners who want to add more thrills and team challenges to their agenda.

Norwegian Breakaway Aqua Park

New Aqua Park – Thrills and Spills

Norwegian Breakaway’s top decks will boast the first cruise ship Aqua Park to feature five multi-story waterslides, including the first-ever-at-sea (and fastest) twin Free Fall slides; and The Whip, a two-story spiral slide. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

Norwegian has taken the best of their current fleet and added a three-story sports complex, with the largest ropes course at sea, mini-golf, bungee trampoline, “Spider Web” climbing cage, basketball court and more.

Norwegian Breakaway Sports Complex

More Choices for Your Adventure Seekers

The ropes course will challenge your attendees with more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For the ultimate thrill, let them test their courage by walking “The Plank” – a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Cameras will capture the action, and your brave participants will be rewarded with their photo after conquering this heart-pounding feat.

For your participants who prefer a more mellow experience, The Aqua Park also features two swimming pools, four hot tubs and the Breezeway Bar & Grill.

Outdoor Enclaves – Reserved for Adults

Norwegian Breakaway will also feature adult-only outdoor enclaves, including Spice H2O. During the day, comfortable sun loungers, a huge video screen, two hot tubs and soothing waterfall make this is the ultimate post-meeting relaxation destination . When the sun goes down, Spice H2O will transform into a evening hot spot where your group can dance under the stars or chill out at the bar or lounge area.

Norwegian Breakaway Spice H2O

These revolutionary spaces are designed to make it easy for you and your group event participants to connect with each other, enjoy some friendly competition, or simply kick back and unwind.

Norwegian Breakaway Itineraries

After an April 30, 2012 transatlantic voyage, Norwegian Breakaway will arrive New York City and begin a season of week-long Bermuda cruises featuring three days in King’s Wharf. In October 2013, Breakaway will sail a series of 25 seven-night cruises to the Bahamas & Florida. Port stops on this itinerary include Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) and Port Canaveral.

Search all Norwegian ships and itineraries, and request a quote for your next group event (your RFP will go directly to Norwegian Cruise Line).

 The Paperless Conference Binder – Using Tablet Computers and iPads at Events

In this article, meetings tech expert Corbin Ball shares his favorite, low-cost apps to help planners transition from paper-based to digital document
management at events.

(By the way, if you haven’t visited Corbin Ball’s website lately, check it out – it just received a facelift! You’ll find hundreds of free articles, technology tips, and software tools.)

Exclusive Survey: Social Media Usage by Meeting Planners
The results of February 2012 MeetingsNet Magazines survey reveals usage, demographics and other highlights of “Big Five” social media platforms favored by meeting planners.

13 Things You Never Knew You Could Do on LinkedIn
Courtesy of Business Insider, tips and tricks to make the most out of LinkedIn – including some surprising features you might not know about.

Add apps to Your Linkedin Profile

7 Apps You Don’t Want to Miss
Mashable’s slide show of 7 cool apps you you’ll want to download on your smartphone or tablet – from an app that allows you to “thumb kiss” your partner while you’re on the road, to a new app for storing your sketches and notes and sharing them on the web.

9 Digital Ways to Become a Social Good Hero in 2012
We know meeting and event planners have really big hearts – changing the world might be easier than you think. Mobile Apps News shares some ways you can use the web and social media to do good with just a few easy clicks.

Bonus! An inspiring story about technology changing the world – for good:

Kindles in Kenya school (image courtesy of The Kilgoris Project)

Kenya’s Kids & Kindles: Mobile Technology Brings Education to Rural Africa
In Africa, modern technology is changing almost every facet of human life. EContent Magazine reports that, thanks to a new joint initiative of The Kilgoris Project and Worldreader, young children in several rural schools are harnessing the power of technology through the use of Kindles and other e-readers (which can hold up to 3,000 books apiece). The devices “are feeding their curious minds” and helping them develop a love of learning.

The answer is a resounding “No”! The rise of technology has resulted in diminished human interaction. Simply making eye contact and offering a genuine smile and greeting (and waiting for the reply!) are becoming lost skills in our mobile device-driven, eyes- focused-downward society.

Meeting and event planners must elevate great customer service to extraordinary customer experience. It all boils down to human connection and emotion – it’s how you make people feel. And you want them to feel special!

In the Travel Market Report article “Good Customer Service? It’s Only Human!”, Harvey Chipkin reaches out to hospitality expert Theresa Syer for professional insights and tips. She says:

Independent planners especially have to be emotionally engaging from day one. Think of it as being actors on a stage. When the curtain goes up, we’re on – and it’s live. The client can’t see you sweat. That’s where professionals shine. It’s what goes on behind the curtain that makes it perfect…

Remember: “human touch = higher attendance”. For more tips on transcending customer service for greater meeting engagement, read the article.

SeaDream Yacht Club just announced another “gem” – a charter remnant in the Mediterranean. This is a beautiful, 5-night charter opportunity from Dubrovnik to Rome October 9 – 14, 2013, priced to sell at an excellent, all-inclusive rate.

Imagine – a perfect Wednesday to Monday voyage between Dubrovnik and Rome (Civitavecchia) on your own deluxe SeaDream yacht – named “The World’s Best” by 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising.

This exquisite Mediterranean “gem” itinerary also includes visits to the dreamy ports of Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Taormina, Sicily; and Capri, Italy.

SeaDream Yacht Charter – Priceless Experiences and Great Value

Your beautiful SeaDream yacht accommodate 112 guests in oceanview rooms and is perfect for weddings, birthdays, family reunions, company meetings or incentive programs.

Here’s what’s included with your yacht charter:

• 56 luxuriously-appointed ocean view staterooms
• Gourmet meals served al fresco or in the elegant Dining Salon
• 24 hour room service from the “Small Bites” menu
• Wine served with lunch and dinner
• Open bar with selected premium brands
• Gratuities
• Water toys from the yacht’s marina
• Mountain bikes for shore side exploration
• Golf Simulator with 30 signature golf courses
• Laptop computers for use while onboard
• Evening entertainment including dancing “under the stars” and Starlit Movies
• SeaDream’s signature “Shaken, Not Stirred” martini and caviar party on deck
• State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
• Balinese Dream Beds with elevated view of the sea
• An attentive crew of 95 to “splendidly spoil” your attendees with 5-star service

Limited Time to Book Your Yacht in the Med at Special Rates

This unique 5-night voyage is now being offered at a very special charter rate for a limited time, so don’t delay!

For more information about this special charter opportunity or to find out more about other SeaDream Yacht voyages, call us today at 888-713-1317 /International: 1 -305- 403-3002 . Or, send us an email: inquiry@seasite.com.

SeaDream Yacht Club told us about an unpublished charter remnant now available on one of their dreamy yachts sailing in the Caribbean. A special 3-night voyage from St. Martin to San Juan April 18 – 21, 2013 (Thursday to Sunday) is available on SeaDream I, and is priced to sell at an amazing, all-inclusive rate.

There’s no experience in the world that compares to sailing on an all-inclusive “yacht of your own”. This beautiful SeaDream yacht accommodates 112 guests in oceanview rooms and is perfect for weddings, birthdays, family reunions, company meetings or incentives.

Your charter price includes:

• 56 luxuriously-appointed,  ocean view staterooms
• Gourmet meals served alfresco on deck or in the elegant Dining Salon
• 24 hour room service from the “Small Bites” menu
• Wine served with lunch and dinner
• Open bar with selected premium brands
• Gratuities
• Water toys from the yacht’s marina
• Mountain bikes for shore side exploration
• Golf Simulator with 30 signature golf courses
• SeaDream’s signature “Champagne & Caviar Splash” experience
• Evening entertainment including dancing under the stars and Starlit Movies
• Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment
• Balinese Dream Beds with elevated view of the sea
• Attentive crew of 95 to “splendidly spoil” your group with 5-star service

To take advantage of this unique charter opportunity or to find out more about other SeaDream Yacht voyages, call us today at 888-713-1317 /International: 1 -305- 403-3002 . Or, send us an email: inquiry@seasite.com.